Apparatus and method for cleaning soiled, surfaces with reduced environmental impact

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for cleaning exterior surfaces, particularly aircraft exteriors, which method and apparatus applies cleaning solution to a soiled surface, scours the surface, squeegees the contaminated solution from the surface and evacuates it through a vacuum manifold for collection and environmentally appropriate disposal. Applicant&#39;s method and apparatus are designed principally to alleviate the problem of toxic run-off and ground water pollution as attends present-day wash-rack or bucket and brush type washing operations. Applicant&#39;s method and apparatus are also beneficial from a convenience standpoint, as an aircraft may be cleaned in any location without the necessity of removing the aircraft to a maintenance facility. Applicant&#39;s method and apparatus are also useful for other exterior surfaces, such as for cleaning skyscraper surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] Applicant's invention relates to apparatuses and methods for cleaning large, environmentally exposed surfaces and to mitigation of ecological damages from cleaning operations.

[0003] 2. Background Information

[0004] As will be apparent from the discussion to follow, Applicant's invention is directed primarily to the cleaning of aircraft. However, it should be noted that the apparatuses and methods discussed may be equally applicable, although not so direly needed, in other applications, such as the cleaning of building surfaces, non-aircraft vehicles, etc.

[0005] Aircraft must be routinely cleaned to remove accumulated dirt, soot, and other pollutants gathered on skin surfaces during operation. Allowing debris to accumulate adversely affects economy of operation. Contaminants on a aircraft's skin creates an uneven surface over which air flows more turbulently, thus requiring greater force (and fuel) to propel the aircraft at desired air speed. The significance of this effect is evidenced by a past United Parcel Service television commercial in which the company touted its more frequently that normal plane washing schedule for its resulting savings of millions of gallons of fuel each year. Particularly in the commercial realm, dirty aircraft also present an aesthetics and public image problem.

[0006] A serious problem faces the airline and aircraft maintenance industries in connection with their cleaning operations. The problem arises from the heretofore incompatible needs to minimize pollution of ground surfaces and ground water from the resulting mixtures of removed contaminants and cleaning solutions.

[0007] This problem is real, and not simply the product of theory, or of environmental idealism. Airlines have spent millions of dollars constructing wash racks for their airplanes, only to find that they produce too much contaminant run-off to be permitted to operate. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the late 1990s actually suspended operation of aircraft wash racks for this reason, at substantial cost to the owners.

[0008] Even if modifications to large, commercial airliner sized wash racks are eventually achieved to adequately address the toxic run-off problems (no solutions have surfaced in the decade since open washing became illegal), the problems remain in association with cleaning aircraft of non-major carriers, such as those of smaller, commuter airlines and private planes. These planes must be cleaned, but in most cases will not likely have access to the wash racks which may have been modified to meet EPA standards, and certainly cannot afford to construct their own acceptable wash racks. Hand washing of a plane, much in the manner of washing a car in one's front yard, will likely result in EPA fines.

[0009] New apparatuses (not costing millions of dollars) and new methods for cleaning aircraft, and not producing illegal run-off and ground contamination, simply do not exist, yet are desperately needed.

[0010] The gravity of the present situation is revealed by the present practices of a prominent freight airline. Because of their inability to wash their planes in any conventional manner, yet also because of their concern for aesthetics, present practice is for their maintenance contractors to smear liquid car was over the surfaces of the aircraft, allow it to dry, and then hand wipe the dried residue.

[0011] This astoundingly archaic method for “cleaning” an aircraft is not merely inefficient. While no one (the EPA, at least) seems to have yet noticed, the very environmental contamination that was to be avoided through liquid run-off is now occurring (with the addition of the dried car wax) in dry, powder form, as the residue, at least in part, blows from the cleaning area as the wiping takes place. Furthermore, this method of “cleaning” an aircraft is very damaging to aircraft paint. Because the aircraft is not washed, then waxed, this method of smearing liquid wax onto the dirty airplane, and wiping the dried residue away amounts to very nearly wiping sand paper over the painted surfaces—the abrasive dirt is trapped in the wax residue and abrades the surfaces as it is “buffed” away. This same freight airline mentioned before has noted that their paint jobs (costing over $100,000 each) are lasting not more than half of the normal service life expectancy).

[0012] It is needed is a method for cleaning aircraft in particular with a liquid cleaning agent (to provide the necessary damage-preventing lubricant which is absent in a true dry cleaning approach), yet avoid prohibited run-off associated with conventional washing. Also needed is a device which can effectively carry out such cleaning on surfaces that are not planer or smooth (such as aircraft surfaces with rivet lines, etc.).

[0013] This latter point is relevant to the fact that liquid and vacuum cleaning combinations are known. It is believed that some companies, for example, sell floor or even window cleaners which include squeegees associated with a vacuum orifice which is designed to remove soil-laden cleaning fluid from a to-be-cleaned surface. However, experimentation with such concepts in the present form reveals that the use of conventional squeegee blades in any combination with vacuum devices will not work effectively with aircraft with their varying surface textures and contours.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and unobvious apparatus useful in cleaning soiled, exterior surfaces.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel and unobvious apparatus useful in cleaning soiled, exterior surfaces, which apparatus collects removed contaminants and cleaning solutions for environmentally appropriate disposal.

[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and unobvious method for cleaning soiled, exterior surfaces.

[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel and unobvious method for cleaning soiled, exterior surfaces, which apparatus collects removed contaminants and cleaning solutions for environmentally appropriate disposal.

[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and unobvious method for cleaning soiled, aircraft surfaces.

[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel and unobvious method for cleaning soiled, aircraft surfaces, which apparatus collects removed contaminants and cleaning solutions for environmentally appropriate disposal.

[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which, by combining a modified squeegee design, cleaning solution application means and a vacuum apparatus, effectively cleans soiled surfaces, particularly exterior aircraft surfaces, without appreciable run-off or remaining residue after use.

[0021] In satisfaction of these and related objectives, Applicant's present invention provides a method and apparatus for cleaning exterior surfaces, particularly aircraft exteriors, which method and apparatus applies cleaning solution to a soiled surface, provides means for scouring the wetted surface, effectively squeegees the contaminated solution from the surface and evacuates it through a vacuum manifold for collection and environmentally appropriate disposal. The squeegee components of the present design are designed such that they uniquely accommodate the irregular surfaces which are typical of those of aircraft exteriors in riveted and seamed areas.

[0022] Applicant's method and apparatus are designed, not only to alleviate the problem of toxic run-off and ground water pollution as attends present-day wash-rack or bucket and brush type washing operations, but also to provide speed and efficiency in aircraft cleaning operations. An aircraft may be cleaned in any location without the necessity of removing the aircraft to a maintenance facility. Applicant's method and apparatus are also useful for other exterior surfaces, such as for cleaning motor vehicle, building, boat, and even skyscraper surfaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1 is an elevational side view of the preferred embodiment of a head unit for Applicant's surface cleaning system, positioned for scouring a soiled surface during or after application of a cleaning solution through associated spray nozzles.

[0024]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, rotated to remove soil-laden cleaning solution through the combined action of the apparatus's squeegee and vacuum components, the orientation of the apparatus and the direction of movement reflecting the unique capacity of the present system to capture soil-laden cleaning solution as it runs downward along a vertical or near vertical surface (such as the side of an aircraft).

[0025]FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in its scouring orientation, and shown in use on a horizontal surface (as in the upper surface of an aircraft wing).

[0026]FIG. 4 depicts the apparatus of FIGS. 1-3 rotated to remove soil-laden cleaning solution through the combined action of the apparatus's squeegee and vacuum components, the orientation of the apparatus and the direction of movement reflecting the capacity of the present system to capture soil-laden cleaning solution by simply dragging the unit across a horizontal or near horizontal surface.

[0027]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cleaning head portion of a cleaning system according to the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the squeegee blade assembly portion of the apparatus of FIG. 5, shown along Line 6-6.

[0029]FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of the cleaning head portion of the apparatus of FIGS. 1-5, depicting, in part, the fittings which allow the distal head portion to be detached from the lead-in pipe or handle portion to reorient the squeegee blade assembly for alternative directions of use when removing soil-laden cleaning solution.

[0030]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the distal portion of an alternative embodiment of the cleaning head portion of the apparatus of the present invention, which embodiment lacks the fittings referenced in the preceding description of FIG. 7 for reversing orientation of this component relative to the lead-in pipe or handle component, and which also includes an alternative squeegee blade attachment configuration.

[0031]FIG. 8A is a cross sectional view of the alternative squeegee blade configuration of FIG. 8, shown along line 8A-8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0032] Applicant's invention includes an apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a “cleaning system” or simply “system”) which operates through the forced application of cleaning solutions onto surfaces which are to be cleaned and, (optionally) after agitation of the cleaning solutions over the soiled surface, recovery of the cleaning solution/contaminant mixture through action of squeegee-like collection means in association with vacuum or suction orifices.

[0033] Referring in combination to FIGS. 1-7, the head unit (10) of Applicant's invention is designed to deliver cleaning solution in spray jet form, through spray nozzles (12) and (14). Cleaning solution is delivered to top nozzle (12) by way of a conduit network (16) which, in turn, is in sealed fluid communication with a source of pressurized cleaning solution, such as a aqueous pump (non shown in the drawings). Cleaning solution to nozzle (14) is delivered by way of a conduit (20) which is likewise connected to a source of pressurized cleaning solution.

[0034] Producing a spray of cleaning solution by way of nozzles (12) and (14) is achieved by actuating respectively assigned solenoid valve buttons on a control panel (15) which is positioned for convenient operation by a user.

[0035] Nose plate (18) defines an interior vacuum manifold (22) which opens at the distal end (24) of the head unit (10) as a vacuum orifice (26). The vacuum manifold (22) is configured at its proximal end (28) for sealed communication with a vacuum conduit (30). Vacuum conduit (30) is connected to a wet/dry vacuum unit (not shown in the drawings) which is control by actuation buttons (not shown in the drawings) placed for convenient operation by a user.

[0036] Referring principally to FIGS. 1-5, an upper scrub pad (34) is are provided to agitate or scour and forcefully remove debris from a skin surface of an aircraft. In the preferred embodiment, scrub pad (34) is attached to the head unit (10) through a hook and eye (i.e. VELCRO) attachment platform (38). This facilitates rapid and convenient change out of pads (34) as the wear or become excessively soiled during a cleaning operation.

[0037] To facilitate complete removal of the cleaning solution/contaminant mixture from an aircraft's skin surfaces and collection through vacuum orifice (26) a first, serrated squeegee blade (39) and a secondary squeegee blade (40) are affixed on either side of the enlongate vacuum orifice (26).

[0038] The serrated (or “pinked”) squeegee blade (39) has proven to be particularly beneficial in rendering the present system effective in the context of cleaning slightly irregular surfaces, such as those of aircraft.

[0039] The use of conventional, straight blade squeegee blades in place of the present serrated squeegee blade (39) misses soil-laden cleaning solution, and at best leaves streaks, notwithstanding action of secondary squeegee blade (40). Serrated squeegee blade (39) has shown to facilitate a smooth gliding action over the aircraft skin surface, particularly with respect to areas having rivets and other surface irregularities. This gliding action, as opposed to the “bumpy” movement experienced without serrated squeegee blade (39) seems to aid in maintaining a consistency of suction force with a resulting consistency of liquid removal through vacuum orifice (26). All of this arises from the ability of the serrated margin of serrated squeegee blade (39) to accommodate surface irregularities without deforming the blade to the point of being ineffective in its wiping action adjacent such irregularities, or unduly breaking the “seal” as is required for optimal action of the vacuum orifice (26).

[0040] Referring principally to FIGS. 1-4, the configuration and accessorizing of the head unit (10) is for facilitating its use in cleaning surfaces at the many orientations such as are found on an aircraft. Joint (42) is provided in-line of vacuum conduit (30) for permitting articulation of the conduit (30), in turn, to permit convenient orientation of the head unit (10) for the most convenient, and comfortable use of the system.

[0041] Also, the distal portion of head unit 10 is detachable at juncture (36) from the remainder thereof whereby the unit, while collecting soil-laden cleaning solution, may be moved away from the user, in a pushing action (as in FIG. 2), or in a pulling action (as in FIG. 4). Note that this reorientation is important for optimal performance when changing the principle direction of use, as serrated squeegee blade (39) should always pass over the surface first, followed by the vacuum orifice (26) and secondary squeegee blade (40).

[0042] Actual use of Applicant's system is straight forward. When cleaning a surface above or beside which the head unit (10) approaches, a user first actuates the appropriate control button of control panel (15) to produce a cleaning solution spray through nozzle (14) in order to cover a surface area with cleaning solution. Scrub pad (34) may then be used to scour the surface and dislodge debris. Next, having actuated the vacuum unit (32), the user moves the system portion with serrated squeegee blade (39) and secondary squeegee blade (40) over the cleaned surface to collect the soil-laden cleaning solution, having head unit (10) configured and moving in a direction whereby serrated squeegee blade (39) passes over the surface first, followed by secondary squeegee blade (40).

[0043] All but minuscule amounts of the contaminated cleaning solution are recovered into the vacuum unit, with negligible environmental exposure to the waste product.

[0044] Cleaning solutions which have proven ideal for use with applicant's system are those available from Aero Cosmetics, LLC of San Antonio, Tex. under the trademark WASHWAXALL.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, attachment of serrated squeegee blade (39) and secondary squeegee blade (40) can be accomplished in any number of ways, with two examples involving a bolt-on approach (FIG. 6), and a slide-in approach (FIG. 8) being exemplified here.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 8, the alternative embodiment depicted here lacks the fitting which, as described above, would allow rotating the distal head portion of head unit (10) at juncture (34), but may involve an alternative squeegee blade system (not shown in the drawings) which allows reorientation of the blades to change direction of use, in lieu of reorientation of the entire distal head portion.

[0047] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A cleaning apparatus comprising: a vacuum manifold defining a vacuum orifice and having vacuum connection means for operable connection with a vacuum unit; a first spray nozzle supported near said vacuum manifold and operably connected to a cleaning solution conduit for conducting cleaning solution, under pressure, through said spray nozzle to a soiled surface; a first serrated squeegee blade supported near a first elongate side of said vacuum orifice; and a second squeegee blade supported near a second elongate side of said vacuum orifice, opposite said first elongate side of said vacuum orifice.
 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising: first scouring means supported by said vacuum manifold for scouring said soiled surface.
 3. A method of cleaning a surface comprising the steps of: selecting a cleaning apparatus, said cleaning apparatus comprising: a vacuum manifold defining a vacuum orifice and having vacuum connection means for operable connection with a vacuum unit; a first spray nozzle supported near said vacuum manifold and operably connected to a cleaning solution conduit for conducting cleaning solution, under pressure, through said spray nozzle to a soiled surface; a first serrated squeegee blade supported near a first elongate side of said vacuum orifice; and a second squeegee blade supported near a second elongate side of said vacuum orifice, opposite said first elongate side of said vacuum orifice. attaching said vacuum manifold to said vacuum unit; attaching said cleaning solution conduit to a source of pressurized cleaning solution; spraying said cleaning solution onto said surface; and passing said vacuum manifold over said surface in a direction whereby said serrated squeegee blade first passes thereover, followed by said vacuum orifice, followed by said second squeegee blade.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein said surface is the skin of an aircraft. 